This course examines the politics of federal budgeting and its role in economic policy making. Students will learn about the creation of the presidential budget, the politics of the Congressional budget process, tax policy, defense spending, social spending, fiscal federalism-the connection between federal and state governments-and the relationship between fiscal policy and the Federal Reserve's making of monetary policy.

This course focuses on marginalized groups and the production of injustice with a focus on the global South. It draws on multidisciplinary scholarship that is theoretically challenging, empirically rich, and politically provocative. Readings span the globe and address topics such as drugs, migration, and policing.

This seminar explores America's efforts to exert influence through nation-building. Drawing on theoretical literature and case studies spanning from Reconstruction in the American South, through post-WWII Germany and Japan, to contemporary efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the course investigates the factors contributing to nation-building success or failure.

Seminar focusing on politics of the international trade and monetary systems, emphasizing third world industrialization, trade conflicts between the U.S. and Japan, and the global debt crisis. Prerequisite: PLIR 2050 or instructor permission.

Examines the political economy of foreign direct investment (FDI) including the determinants of FDI and its economic and political consequences. Prerequisite: ECON 2010 and ECON 2020.

The seminar is on migration and displacement: why people born and rooted in one place move somewhere else.  The course explores why migrants chose different destinations, how host and home communities encourage/discourage mobility, and how those who move remain connected with those who remain.  Throughout, we will draw from a rich variety of sources while exploring displacement across countries, contexts, and histories.

This course examines both academic and policy debates about democracy and foreign policy. We begin by reviewing the theory and practice of democracy and the literature on democracy in international politics.

Investigates a selected issue in American government or American political development. Prerequisite: One course in PLAP or instructor permission.

Intensive analysis of selected issues and concepts in comparative government. Prerequisite: One course in PLCP or instructor permission.

Topics on a variety of Political issues.